Sheng Ma is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb. It has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. In addition to its medicinal uses, Sheng Ma also has good nutritional value. Let's learn about the efficacy, functions, and taboos of Sheng Ma!
Efficacy and Functions of Sheng Ma:
1. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial: Sheng Ma has certain anti-inflammatory effects and inhibitory effects on some skin fungi. Therefore, it is often used to treat diseases such as mouth ulcers, sore throat, and itching caused by measles. It is often used in combination with Ge Gen, Gypsum, and Huang Lian.
2. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: As a type of herbal medicine for relieving surface symptoms, Sheng Ma is commonly used to relieve wind-heat headache, chronic diarrhea, and uterine prolapse. It works even better when combined with Gypsum and Huang Lian.
3. Regulating Internal Organs: Sheng Ma has a good therapeutic effect on diseases such as gastric mucosal damage and appendicitis. This is because Sheng Ma can enhance the secretion of glands in the digestive tract and relax the smooth muscles of the small intestine, thus regulating the gastrointestinal system.
Usage of Sheng Ma:
1. Sheng Ma and Ge Gen Decoction:
Ingredients: Sheng Ma (30g), Bai Shao (30g), Zhi Gan Cao (30g), Ge Gen (45g)
Usage: Grind the ingredients into coarse powder. Take nine grams, decoct in water, and drink while warm. Take it two to three times a day.
Taboo: It should be avoided if there is an outbreak of measles or if the rash is inward and accompanied by dyspnea, wheezing, shoulder lifting, and flaring nostrils.
2. Ginseng and Sheng Ma Congee:
Ingredients: 30g of polished rice, 10g of ginseng, 3g of Sheng Ma
Method: Boil the ginseng and Sheng Ma to make a decoction, then cook it with polished rice to make porridge.
Efficacy: It nourishes Qi and blood, lifts Yang and relieves sinking. It is suitable for symptoms such as excessive menstrual flow due to Qi deficiency, prolonged menstruation with pale color and watery texture, pale complexion, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weak limbs.
Taboos of Medicinal Use of Sheng Ma:
Although Sheng Ma has many benefits, there are still some contraindications for its use.
It should not be used for Yin deficiency with floating Yang and wheezing fullness. This is because Sheng Ma can enhance the secretion of bronchial glands, and its use may increase respiratory tract mucus, affecting normal ventilation.
Also, the dosage should be carefully considered. As the saying goes, "the dose makes the poison." Excessive use of Sheng Ma may lead to adverse reactions such as dizziness and tremors in the limbs.
When making decoctions, Sheng Ma is generally used in a dosage of 3-6g. However, the dosage may be slightly increased when used for clearing heat and detoxifying. It mainly depends on the prescription. It is important to follow the doctor's advice and not to change the dosage without authorization.
As Sheng Ma can affect the gastrointestinal tract, it should be used with caution in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency and cold. Otherwise, it may lead to diarrhea or constipation.
When using any Chinese medicinal herb, it is important to consider compatibility and dosage. Therefore, after understanding the functions and efficacy of Sheng Ma, I hope you will not self-administer it easily. Please follow the guidance of a doctor for a safer and more effective use of the herb.
